Try lowering the needle in the shaft a teeny tiny bit at a time. Some of the older machines need a different length needle then the new needles out now. There are good minds here that can help with more trys to do.

Could it be the bobbin is not loaded correctly. Set the machine on top of the cabinet, turn the wheel slowly by hand, and watch the needle as it enters the bobbin case. This may give you an idea of the problem. On some of the older machines I have owned (that were side loaders) the thread would span across the bobbin. Hope this might help.

Sorry, I forgot to add, from the picture it looks a though the needle should extend down through the 'pointed' area to pick up the thread; and if the thread isn't in the right position it can't pick it up. Sure hope you get it resolved. Looks like a good sturdy machine. Good luck.

I can't tell by looking at the bobbin but is it coming out at the right spot to be picked up? Is that a liitle hole on the right that it's maybe supposed to thread through? I have never seen this set-up, hope someone who has it will help out!

Other than checking to see if the needle is inserted correctly, I have no advice. However - I want to congratulate you on having the most descriptive title I have ever seen on a post! So much better than those that just say "need help".